Tickets for UFC London on Sale Jan. 31

Tickets for UFC® FIGHT NIGHT LONDON: GUSTAFSSON vs. MANUWA at The O2 on Saturday 8th March 2014 will go on sale to the public on 31st January 2014 at 10am. Ticket prices range from £40-£850 for the UFC VIP Experience.

The undefeated Manuwa has a unique opportunity to prove himself against his weight division’s number one title contender Gustafsson. “I cannot wait to enter the Octagon in London, where I grew up,” Manuwa said, “and to headline an event at The O2 after just three fights in the UFC is incredible. People think I am crazy and need a few more fightsbut I always say if you want to be the best you have to beat the best.”

“Alex is a huge test for me, but it is one I have long dreamed of. I’m ready to take this opportunity to climb up the light-heavyweight ladder and get closer to my goal of being a UFC champion. I asked for this fight and thought Alex would avoid me, but he is a true professional and I have great respect for him; he knows my recordand he knows how unpredictable every fight can be in the UFC. We’ve seen Silva, Jones and GSP all showing their vulnerability this year.”

His opponent Gustafsson said: “His clean record is impressivebut I am one opponent away from challenging the champion again and I will fight my heart out to get a win in March.”

The Swede added that he does not believe that competing in London will be an advantage for Manuwa: “We will put on a hell of a show, but I am not sure who will have the hometown advantage since I expect an invasion of Swedish fans to come and support me.”

Brad Pickett said: “For me this is absolutely massive. I’ve fought in the UFC a couple of times in the UK, and the crowds have always been great, but to actually be competing at home in London is something I’ve always wanted.” UFC FIGHT NIGHT London will also feature Ross “The Real Deal” Pearson taking on Melvin “The Young Assassin” Guillard, for the second time in six months. The original bout took place at UFC Manchester in October this year, but was deemed a no-contest due to an unintentional illegal knee from Guillard. The two will look to settle the score once and for all next March.

Iceland’s Gunnar “Gunni” Nelson is set to face his toughest test to date in Russia’s Omari “Lakec” Akhmedov as the two meet in a welterweight bout. Nelson’s return to the Octagon will be met with eager anticipation after he underwent surgery on his knee earlier this year, leaving him sidelined after two notable performances in the UFC. The two opponents will both be looking to maintain their undefeated record, standing 11-0 and 12-0 respectively.